Tuesday night my husband and I met up in Manhattan after work. It’s been awhile since we have gone out on a “dinner and a show” date. We’re members of the Theatre Development Fund and really should take advantage of the discounted tickets more often.
We met up at our usual pre-theatre spot, Haru. He’s an omnivore and I’m a vegan–this Time’s Square restaurant works for both of us.
Most of the starters are made with animal products (thank you, dear, frustrated server for helping me learn this). Ultimately I requested that she ask the chef to make me a special spring roll, using rice paper, with just fruit and vegetables.
The chef accommodated my request.
Beautifully.
I then enjoyed the Vegetarian Sushi Platter.
No special order required–it was perfectly vegan. (Speaking of special orders, check out the conversation on Happy Herbivore on the topic.)
My meal was perfect. The play? Not so much.
We bought tickets for The House of Blue Leaves–Ben Stiller and Edie Falco on stage! Our seats at the Walter Kerr Theatre were excellent (thank you, TDF!) and the set was fantastic. We were excited. Then the play started. Interestingly, Dave and I did not look at each other at all during the first act. People were laughing at some parts and I felt guilty that I wasn’t. I wanted to feel connected to the characters. I didn’t. The lights went down at end of the act. We looked at each other. I shrugged my shoulders and said “meh.” We gathered our things and left.
What? We left before the play was over?
Yes. I’ve walked out of movies and I’ll walk out of a play. Those are a few hours of my life I’ll never get back. I’d rather go home, get in bed and sleep a few extra hours. As for this play. I think the acting was okay — I believe my criticism is of the playwright.
I suppose we could have stayed to delve into the “why” of our dislike but, instead, we drove home. Windows down, laughing and talking about our day. I did mention it was a date, right? I’ll take a simple, lively, fun drive with my husband over an unenjoyable theatre experience.
Have you walked out of a play?
